Your lips may speak, but what do they actually say? This guide to lip-shape, based on the ancient Chinese art of physiognomy, will help you find out.

Perfect

How they look: Average in size (i.e, not too pouty and not too thin), in proportion to the rest of the face, same thickness top and bottom.

What they say: Perfect lips = perfect personality (well, near as damn it anyway). The owner of such a beautiful mouth is kind, fun to be with and warm-hearted. As a friend, this person is caring, considerate and loyal. As a partner they’re expressive, loving and thoroughly gorgeous.

Celebrity Perfect-lips: Melinda Messenger and David Beckham.

Big

How they look: Full, pouty and wide.

What they say: That the owner is a fun-loving, crazy-person. As a mate, this person is a laugh a minute, always the life “n” soul of all the parties they drag you along to. As a partner, they’re just the same: all well and good at the start of a relationship perhaps, but in the long-term their mad antics and constant funny banter could drive you to distraction.

Small

What they look like: Pouty and not very wide.

What they say: The owner of small lips tend to be cautious but reliable. As a mate, you can rely on this type to always turn up when they say they will and be ever-sensitive to your needs. As a husband, wife or lover this person is extremely respectful, thoughtful and kind, but may suffer from regular bouts of insecurity.

Celebrity Small-lips: Tom Cruise and Kate Hudson.

Thin

What they look like: Er… thin.

What they say: Thin-lipped people are usually cool, calm and level-headed. As a friend, they can be a bit opinionated and tactless at times, but generally they’re pretty down-to-earth and sensible. As a partner, they can be a bit competitive and like to hand out plenty of “constructive” criticism. They can be loving and lovable – but only when the mood takes them.

Celebrity Thin-lips: Jamie Theakston and Geri Halliwell.

Top-Heavy

How they look: The top lip is much thicker than the bottom lip, creating a sweet, innocent expression.

What they say: Top-heavy lips usually belong to the most irresistible types. As a mate, they can be self-centred and unreliable, but because they’re stubborn to the max, there’s not a lot you can do about it. As a romantic partner, you won’t find sexier! Having said that, they’re not overly expressive, so don’t expect to hear too many “I love you”s. They also fear commitment and have a habit of doing a runner when the going gets tough.